Wetlands are nature’s superheroes. They act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and reducing the severity of floods. They filter pollutants, ensuring cleaner water for our communities. Moreover, wetlands are biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide array of plant and animal species. They facilitate faster infiltration access for water into groundwater aquifers, guaranteeing consistent water supply. In coastal areas, they also help to protect the shorelines and coastal lines from storm damage.
Despite covering only about 6% of the Earth’s land surface, wetlands are home to 40% of all plant and animal species. However, these vital ecosystems are disappearing at an alarming rate, with wetlands vanishing three times faster than forests. Wetlands are threatened today by urbanization, population pressure, agriculture, deforestation, and climate change. The constant need to find and develop new housing projects in urban cities are encroaching on vital wetlands and thus distorting the ecosystem. Understanding this challenge, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, is playing its part in ensuring the survival of this vital component of the ecosystem.
Across the globe, World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2 every year.
On February 6, 2025, NCF hosted a vibrant celebration for World Wetlands Day at the University of Lagos under the theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” This theme resonated deeply as participants engaged in various activities to understand and get closer to nature’s sponges.
Educational Seminar: Sparking Curiosity
The day kicked off with an engaging seminar at the Department of Zoology. Dr. Excellence Akeredolu captivated the audience with insights into the ecological significance of wetlands. Attendees, including students and educators from local schools, left with a renewed appreciation for wetlands’ role in water purification, flood control, and biodiversity support. A student from Akoka Junior High school remarked, “I never realized how essential wetlands are to our environment. This seminar opened my eyes to their importance.”
Bird Watching: Connecting with Nature
Next up was a bird-watching adventure at the university’s Lagoon Front. Participants observed various bird species, witnessing firsthand the rich biodiversity that wetlands support. This immersive experience highlighted the importance of preserving these habitats for future generations. A participant from Fazil Omar Senior High School shared, “Seeing these birds in their natural habitat was incredible. It made me understand why protecting wetlands is so crucial.”
Wetland Clean-Up: Hands-On Conservation
Rolling up their sleeves, volunteers embarked on a clean-up mission around the wetlands. Collecting 96 kg of waste, predominantly single-use plastics, they made an immediate positive impact. This activity underscored the pressing issue of pollution and its threat to aquatic life. Pollution from agricultural waste, industrial spillage, and urban waste discharge, poses a significant threat to the delicate balance of wetland ecosystems.
The State of Nigeria’s Wetlands: A Vital Yet Threatened Ecosystem
Nigeria is home to several important wetlands, including the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, the Niger Delta, and the Lake Chad Basin. These ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, regulating water cycles, and sustaining millions of livelihoods. They provide breeding grounds for fish, act as natural water filters, and serve as habitats for migratory birds.
However, Nigeria’s wetlands are under severe threat. According to the Ramsar Convention, nearly 87% of the world’s wetlands have been lost since 1700, and Nigeria is no exception. Rapid urbanization, pollution, deforestation, and climate change are accelerating the degradation of these ecosystems. The Niger Delta, for example, has been significantly impacted by oil spills, leading to the loss of aquatic life and displacement of local communities. Similarly, the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands face increasing desertification due to climate change and poor water management.
If urgent action is not taken, Nigeria risks losing these critical ecosystems, leading to reduced fish stocks, increased flooding, and water shortages for millions.
Policy & Advocacy: Strengthening Wetland Conservation in Nigeria
While Nigeria has taken steps to protect its wetlands, more needs to be done. The country is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty aimed at wetland conservation. Additionally, policies like the National Policy on Wetlands Conservation (2006) and the Nigerian Environmental Impact Assessment Act provide some legal backing for wetland protection.
However, enforcement remains weak. Many wetlands are still being drained for agriculture, polluted by industrial waste, and encroached upon for urban development. To strengthen conservation efforts, government agencies, environmental organizations, and local communities must work together to:
– Improve policy enforcement: Stricter penalties for industries that pollute wetlands.
– Promote sustainable land use: Encourage eco-friendly farming and fishing practices.
– Increase public awareness: More educational programs to highlight the importance of wetlands.
– Support community-led conservation: Empower local groups to take charge of protecting wetlands.
Advocacy efforts must push for stronger legal protections, sustainable development practices, and increased government investment in wetland conservation. The success of these policies depends on everyone—policymakers, conservationists, and everyday citizens—playing their part.
Join the Movement: Protect Our Wetlands
Irrespective of the role of the government in ensuring the safety of the wetlands, there’s more to be done and more specifically by individuals. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the vital functions of wetlands and share this knowledge within your community.
- Participate in Local Conservation Efforts: Join clean-up drives, tree planting, reduce the use of plastics and join citizen science projects focused on wetland preservation.
- Advocate for Sustainable Practices: Support policies and initiatives that aim to reduce pollution, prevent encroachment, and combat climate change impacts on wetlands.
By taking these steps, you contribute to the health and longevity of Nigeria’s wetlands, ensuring they continue to thrive for generations to come. For more on how to support conservation efforts and protect wetlands, sign up to be a member of NCF for more details.
